Indulge in Cream-Filled Donuts for National Donut Day!

Name: Cream-Filled Donuts
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast; 3/4 cup whole milk (lukewarm); 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted); 1 large egg (room temperature); 1 tsp vanilla extract; Powdered sugar (for dusting); Cream filling (pastry cream or whipped cream)

Recipe By:

Daniel Lawson

Posted:

April 18, 2025

Updated:

April 18, 2025

0 Shares

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the first bite of a cream-filled donut, is there? The soft, pillowy exterior gives way to a sweet, velvety filling that dances on your taste buds. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen, pulling you in like an invisible force field. It’s National Donut Day, and what better excuse to indulge in these heavenly treats?

As I reminisce about my childhood, I remember Saturday mornings filled with the sound of sizzling oil and the irresistible allure of donuts being made from scratch. My family would gather around, eagerly awaiting those warm, sugary delights. Today, I’m excited to share this recipe for cream-filled donuts that will surely bring back some sweet memories of your own.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These cream-filled donuts are incredibly easy to make and require minimal ingredients
The rich filling balances perfectly with the light dough
Their enticing appearance will impress anyone at your gathering
Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you crave something sweet!

I once made these cream-filled donuts for a friend’s birthday party and they vanished faster than I could say “National Donut Day.” Everyone wanted the recipe!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Essential for achieving that fluffy texture; opt for unbleached flour for a richer flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness; feel free to adjust based on your personal taste.
Active Dry Yeast: This little magic ingredient makes them rise beautifully; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
Milk: Use whole milk for a richer taste or substitute with almond milk if you’re dairy-free.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor; use unsalted butter to control the saltiness in your recipe.
Eggs: They add structure and moisture; ensure they’re at room temperature for optimal mixing.
Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances flavor; consider using pure vanilla extract for a more authentic taste.
Powdered Sugar: For dusting; it adds that lovely finishing touch of sweetness.
Cream Filling (Pastry Cream or Whipped Cream): The star of the show! Choose based on your preference for richness and texture.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Activate the Yeast: Begin by warming your milk until it’s just lukewarm—too hot and you’ll kill those poor yeast cells. Sprinkle in the yeast and sugar; let it sit until frothy.

Create the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture along with melted butter and eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms—don’t worry if it feels sticky!

Knead Like You Mean It: Flour your surface lightly and knead that dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Think of it as giving it a mini workout!

Let It Rise: Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—around 1-2 hours should do.

Shape Your Donuts: Once risen, punch down that dough (take out any frustrations), then roll it out to about ½-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two different sized round cutters to shape them.

Fry Those Babies Up: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry each donut until golden brown on both sides—about 1-2 minutes each side—and drain on paper towels.

Add the Cream Filling: Once cooled slightly, inject your preferred cream filling into each donut using a pastry bag or squeeze bottle. Dust with powdered sugar before serving them up!

Now stand back and watch as everyone falls in love with your homemade cream-filled donuts! These little puffs of happiness are perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself if no one’s looking!

You Must Know

Cream-filled donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them for a few days
The sweet smell of vanilla and cream will fill your kitchen as they bake, making every moment worthwhile
Don’t skip the dusting of powdered sugar; it’s essential!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing the dough ingredients until smooth, then let it rise for about 30 minutes. While the dough is rising, prepare your cream filling. This sequence ensures everything is ready when it’s time to fry those delicious donuts.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment with different fillings, like chocolate or raspberry jam. You can also swap regular milk for almond milk to create a dairy-free version of these cream-filled delights.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to reheat them, pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds to restore their pillowy goodness.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Avoid over-kneading the dough to keep your donuts light and fluffy
Always let them cool completely before filling, or you’ll end up with a gooey mess
When frying, maintain an even temperature for perfectly golden-brown results every time

Creating these cream-filled donuts reminds me of my childhood—how I used to sneak into the kitchen and steal one right off the cooling rack!

FAQs

FAQ

What is the best oil for frying cream-filled donuts?

Canola oil is perfect because it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor.

How do I know when my donuts are fully cooked?

Donuts should be golden brown on all sides and spring back when lightly pressed.

Can I freeze cream-filled donuts?

Yes, but it’s best to freeze them unfilled to maintain freshness; fill them after thawing.

0 Shares